Khurramites

Quick Facts: Who was Khurramites?

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Khurramites

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8th-century Iranian religious movement rooted in Zoroastrianism, famous for its rebellion against the Abbasids.

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Origins & Early Life

The Khurramites (Persian: خرمدینان Khurram-Dīnân, meaning "those of the Joyful Religion") were an Iranian religious and political movement with roots in the Zoroastrian movement of Mazdakism. An alternative name for the movement is the Muhammira (Arabic: محمرة, "Red-Wearing Ones"; in Persian: سرخ‌جامگان Surkh-Jâmagân), a reference to their symbolic red dress. The sect was founded in the 8th century AD by the Iranian cleric Sunpadh as a revitalisation of Zoroastrianism. Its ideologies were influenced by Mazdak. However, its true claim to fame was its adoption by Babak Khorramdin as a basis to rebel against the Abbasid Caliphate.

Career & Major Achievements

The sect grew out of a response to the execution of Abu Muslim by the Abbasids and the claim that he had died but would return as the Messiah. This message was further bolstered by the appearance of al-Muqanna, "The Veiled" prophet, who claimed that the spirit of God had existed in Muhammad, Ali and Abu Muslim. According to al-Tabari, the name first appeared in 736 when the missionary Kedas, a Hashemite, adopted "Din al-Khorramiya". After the Hashemite Revolution, the Khurramites fought as rebels under Sunpadh, Muqanna, Babak and other leaders in various cities and regions. The Khurramites in Azerbaijan were associated with Javidhan, a landlord who led one of the two Khurramite movements in Azerbaijan (from 807–808 to 816–817), with his headquarters being Badd Fort, near the Aras River.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The leader of the other Khurramite movement was Abu Imran, who often clashed with Javidhan. During one of the clashes, probably in 816, Abu Imran was defeated and killed, and Javidhan was wounded and died three days later. Javidhan was succeeded by his heir, Babak Khorramdin, who married Javidhan's widow. Babak's participation in the Khurramite movement was summarised by Waqed: Two rich men named Javidhan b. Shahrak (or Shahrak) and Abu 'Emran were then living in the highland around the mountain of Badd and contending for the leadership of the highland's Khorrami inhabitants.

Notable Quotes by Khurramites

“the basis of their doctrine is belief in light and darkness”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Khurramites

True or False: “The Khurramites' initial ideological roots were solely derived from the teachings of Islam.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Their movement was fundamentally rooted in Zoroastrianism and influenced by Mazdakism.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Khurramites